Side-by-side comparison of two top Des Moines metro suburbs — prices, schools, commute, amenities, and lifestyle.
Ankeny is the better choice if you prioritize best balance of schools, amenities, and price. Watch out for: less brand-new construction than Waukee.
Grimes is the better choice if you prioritize new construction value with lower property taxes. Watch out for: longer commute than other top suburbs.
| Factor | Ankeny | Grimes |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $315,000 | $350,000 |
| Population | ~68,000 | ~16,000 |
| County | Polk | Polk/Dallas |
| School district | Ankeny CSD (top 5 in Iowa) | Dallas Center-Grimes CSD |
| Commute to downtown | 15-20 min to downtown | 20-25 min to downtown |
| Vibe | value + amenities + strong 55+ market | new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing |
| Amenities | Prairie Ridge, Uptown Ankeny, DMACC | Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor |
Ankeny sits in Polk County with a population of about ~68,000. The vibe is value + amenities + strong 55+ market, with amenities including Prairie Ridge, Uptown Ankeny, DMACC. Median home prices run around $315,000 with a 15-20 min to downtown.
Schools in Ankeny: Ankeny CSD (top 5 in Iowa).
Grimes sits in Polk/Dallas County with a population of about ~16,000. The vibe is new construction, small-town feel, fast-growing, with amenities including Kennybrook Village CCRC, new retail corridor. Median home prices run around $350,000 with a 20-25 min to downtown.
Schools in Grimes: Dallas Center-Grimes CSD.
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